Game Changers at the PGH Legacy Region Kick Off

Some players put their stamp on the game with dazzling plays that make the highlight reels. Others have exceptional size that offers them opportunities to alter the outcome at either end of the floor. And then there are athletes like the Illiniois Elite guard who puts her fingerprints all over the game from start to finish simply by being good at just about everything. The 5’6 point guard from West Aurora has earned the #53 ranking in the Prep Girls Hoops Illinois Class of 2025 and it’s not hard to see why. She controls tempo, sets the tone with poise and precision, sees the floor well and makes great decisions. She can also shoot it with substantial success from distance and isn’t afraid to attack the basket, either. We loved her defensive aggressiveness and ability to tie up opposing ball handlers with smarts and speed.

The 5’10 sophomore from Milton has earned her way into the Top 75 of the Prep Girls Hoops Wisconsin rankings this winter and it’s not hard to see why. She’s long and skilled and knows how to knock down a jump shot under pressure. But it is Julia’s substantial frame and exceptional physical strength that is the difference-maker in her game. Big guards with skill and physicality are a valuable commodity everywhere. When we watched on Sunday, Wolf attacked the basket relentlessly. She was always moving, always cutting, always getting herself into the right position to do damage with or without the basketball. She hunted every rebound and sought any loose ball. We’re informed that Wolf has real passion for the game and is putting in the work necessary to get better. There’s no telling where that might lead.

The 5’4 guard might be little but her impact on the game was awfully big when we watched the sophomore play in Milwaukee. Konkel is super quick, accelerates with a big burst, and can flat out go in the open court. Combined with excellent elevation and terrific lateral movement, Konkel makes up for her lack of height with a ton of energy and a lot of cleverness. She’s also tough. Konkel took a charge on Saturday from an opponent who led with a forearm to the jaw that sent Siri flying. She got up, shook it off, gave the referee a bit of a side eye, and quickly got back down to business. Konkel hails from Spring Grove in the farthest reaches of Southeastern Minnesota, home to the world-famous soda pop of the same name. Siri’s got some pop in her game, too!

Like Konkel, the 5’4 guard plays way bigger than her size. Pettis has a solid build, plenty of strength, and the ability to impact the proceedings in a variety of ways with her speed and skill. We’ve watched Pettis in AAU, at the Prep Girls Hoops Top 250 Expo, and in high school when she played at Benilde-St. Margaret’s and now at Minneapolis North. She led led the Polars in scoring this winter at 15 points per game. Regardless of the setting, Pettis always seems to bring the heat. She played with a ton of passion at the Legacy Region Kick Off. While much of the attention around FBC North was focused on the stellar performance of guard Alaya Carter Alaya Carter 5'9" | CG Prior Lake | 2025 State MN , Pettis’ energy and effort was crucial in her team’s overtime win we watched Sunday. And she’s only going to get better.

Maryn made a great first impression on us one year ago at the Legacy Region Classic in Omaha. Fast forward 12 months to the start of the 2023 PGH Circuit season and Pool did it again on the weekend. The 5’8 guard from Owatonna made a statement with her consistent energy and commitment to defense. When Maryn gets down in a stance, with that look of dogged determination on her face, that’s the time when opposing ball handlers should start to get nervous. She’s assertive, aggressive, and never seems to get flustered as she goes hunting for steals and tips and all manner of disruptive activity. Watching her go head-to-head with a similar foe in Kiya Dixon Kiya Dixon 5'7" | SG Sun Prairie East | 2026 WI of Wisconsin Crush Select was a ton of fun.